13th Birthday Party Ideas

Turning 13 is an important step for any youngster, and they will want to celebrate this milestone as they pass from childhood into their teenage years. As a young adult, emerging into the ever changing life and times of a teenager, turning 13 is all about expression, about who the child is and who they feel that they are at that age.

It is very important for parents to take their wishes seriously, listen to their reasoning for their requests, and not just ignore them if they come with unrealistic expectations. Talk to them about party options you afford and how you can accommodate their wishes.

It isn’t uncommon for new teens to think of age, inappropriate party ideas as pop culture and their cool friends will certainly have an impact on their desires. They may be looking to fast-track their party to resemble something more appropriate for a 16 year old, while the parents really just want a big cake and balloons for their “little one.”

For all of those parents who are not quite sure about what to do to celebrate the big 13, and make it count for their children, while maintaining an age appropriate theme, here are some 13th Birthday Party Ideas.

13th Birthday Party Ideas for Boys

Generally speaking boys parties are easier at this age; they may not really have noticed girls yet, and will therefore, still be happy with a huge cake. However, they do want to do something different. Something sports oriented will always be well received, and it gets kids out of the house and while burning off some of their energy.

A softball game

Softball is a fun one, and if there are girls included on the guest list, they can join in as well. All you need is an open space and some bases. A game of softball out on a large field during the summer, with a big picnic under a tree afterwards will be a great treat. Get some of the Dads involved and award a prize to the winning team.

An outdoor adventure

Many boys turning 13 love the outdoors. Plan for a camping party that includes fishing, hiking, and of course a campfire. Let they boys take a trek with a GPS and perhaps incorporate a geocaching adventure or treasure hunt with teams among the party goers. What better 13th birthday party idea than allowing the boys to get back to nature.

Viking or Medieval games

Viking or Medieval games are also a good idea, get the kids to dress up like Vikings or Medieval warriors and have a day where sack races, apple bobbing and obstacle courses will have the kids roaring with delight. Split them into teams and finish off with a good old fashioned tug of war. The party food can be Viking inspired, meat on the bone, finger foods and root beer are perfect for such an outdoor occasion.

A movie outing

Movie outings are only generally a good idea if the 13th birthday party coincides with the showing of the latest blockbuster. 13 year old boys are not going to be impressed if you drag them along to the latest Disney animation, but the latest Transformers epic will be just the ticket. Bundle them into a fast food joint beforehand and you don’t have to worry about catering.

A video games tournament

A video games tournament is certainly an idea the boys will love. If your boy has a games console, and who doesn’t, organize a tournament. You’ll need to borrow other consoles and screens, but parents are generally amenable. This is best for a small, intimate guest list rather than hoards of kids who’d be bored watching and waiting their turn.

13th birthday party ideas - ideas for girls

13th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

The 13th for girls will more than likely include a desire for something a bit more glamorous than a Viking Party, although everyone is different, so just go with the flow. Party ideas for girls don’t have to cost a lot of money, even though the media may have set an expectation that young girls have to party like a celebrity. A super, special party can be had on any budget.

A 60’s party

When thinking of 13th birthday party ideas, what would be better than a 60’s party is an excellent way to introduce your young teen to 60’s music and fashion, if they don’t already know and love that era. Dust off the bell bottoms, get out the hippy beads and decorate the venue with lots of bright colored items and bright flowers. Tell the guests to use their creativity and dress in hippie dresses and put flowers in their hair. Incorporate a craft party into the 60’s theme and let the guests all make their own tie-dyed t-shirt to take home with them. Get face paint and paint flowers on their hands, faces and feet and let them dance and enjoy their 60’s party.

Makeover party

A makeover party is also very special, if your daughter is beginning to experiment with makeup and nail polish. Splash out and get a professional makeup artist, or a friend’s daughter who is good with make up and let the girls have a bit of sparkle and glam in their 13th party. Buy a few nail polishes in wild colors and paint the girls nails in bright green, electric yellow and midnight blue, even add in a few sparkly nail stickers to finish off the look. Give the girls party favors with a lip gloss or a brightly colored nail file and some of the electric green nail polish so they can paint their moms nails with when they get home.

A dinner party

A dinner party is a different way for 13 year old girls to celebrate. Even if you stick to favorite teenager foods, get them to dress in their very best, have a formal table setting and introduce a restaurant feel. If budget allows, hire a butler/waiter for the evening.

A Concert

What better 13th birthday party idea could there be than a girls concert night watching the latest boy band, or pop star. Not always possible, but if the current flavor of the day is coming to town, get that trip organized before the tickets are gone.

A cooking-slumber party

A cooking/slumber party will go down well if your kitchen and house can stand up to it. Instead of ordering in pizza, get the girls to make their own. Make it educational and fun. Have lots of ingredients so they can really experiment.

Thinking about 13th birthday parties ideas is only traumatic if parents allow it. With a little imagination, they can be made into occasions that will give a lifetime of memories.

Be sure to add some of you own 13th birthday party ideas in the comments!

Comments

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Alicia 3 years ago

I did the movie outing followed by lunch for my daughter's 12th birthday....definite hit!

zoebelle 5 years ago

My twin girls are planning their 13th birthday at skyzone-its a wharehouse with nothing but wall to wall trampolines.

Author

T. R. Brown 5 years agofrom Nashville, TN

Edward,

If you are looking for a boys only party out of the house, how about taking a few friends to a paintball range. Guaranteed fun for all.

Edward Bailey 5 years ago

My thirteenth is coming up but I want to invite boys and girls and I'm not allowed a house party what can I do

Author

T. R. Brown 5 years agofrom Nashville, TN

Thanks so much theobsessionboxco. I am really happy to hear that these ideas are helpful.

lovedoctor926 5 years ago

My pleasure. Looking forward to reading some more of your work.

Author

T. R. Brown 5 years agofrom Nashville, TN

lovedoctor926,

Thanks for reading and adding some additional food for thought on the movie outing.

lovedoctor926 5 years ago

I love the idea of a video game tournament for a boy or anything outdoors. For a 13 year old girl, I like the idea of a movie outing. I'm sure that after the movie, they are going to be hungry. Perhaps an ice-cream sundae or dinner like you mentioned would be nice. Voted up awesome! I came across this article while hopping.

Author

T. R. Brown 5 years agofrom Nashville, TN

Thanks very much Partypail!

PartyPail 5 years agofrom www.partypail.com

I really like that you thought about the different approach to take for a boy's or girl's party. Great ideas for both! The viking or medieval games and the cooking/slumber party suggestions are my favorite!